SAN ANTONIO – The potential decrease in San Antonio’s proposed budget has become a significant concern for many, particularly for college students like Miranda Reyna. The uncertainty surrounding city funding is not just a financial issue; it has personal implications that resonate deeply.
“I understand like, OK, the city’s in deficit, like, but that shouldn’t have to play a part on me and the education that I want to get for myself,” Reyna expressed, reflecting the worries of nearly 3,000 college students who could be impacted by changes to city funding for the San Antonio Education Partnership (SAEP). Established in 1989, SAEP provides crucial college advising and scholarships to high school graduates pursuing higher education.
Balancing college expenses with the realities of everyday life is a challenge Reyna knows all too well. Currently, she juggles tuition payments alongside other financial obligations, including her car, insurance, and credit card bills. “Sometimes I’m thinking, ‘I get paid next Friday so how am I going to pay off everything else,’” she said, capturing the financial strain many students face.
The SAEP scholarship has been a lifeline for Reyna, alleviating some of her financial burdens. “It mainly paid off my whole tuition, which was the main worry that I had,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of this financial support.
The implications of the proposed budget cuts extend beyond incoming students; they threaten the funding that supports current students who rely on scholarships that can be renewed. The potential loss of this funding could disrupt the academic paths of those who have already planned their finances around receiving this support.
Currently, the city allocates approximately $2.5 million for SAEP’s scholarship and advising initiatives. In response to a projected budget shortfall, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has appealed to local businesses and philanthropists to consider stepping in to fill the gap left by potential city funding cuts. She has urged donors to commit to multi-year contributions that could match or exceed the city’s financial support.
Ana Acevedo, the CEO of SAEP, voiced her concerns regarding the potential budget reduction, particularly for students already enrolled in college. “It’s already impacting people that have already met the requirements and who are working very hard to continue on their course in college to get their degree,” she noted.
In addition to providing scholarships, SAEP plays a vital role in guiding students through the complexities of the college application process, including scholarship applications and understanding their educational options. This advising process is essential for facilitating the transition from high school to college, a pivotal step for many students.
Acevedo highlighted the broader implications of potential funding cuts, stating that every student who completes their degree contributes to increased educational attainment and economic competitiveness for San Antonio. “Every student that completes their college degree, that’s increasing our levels of educational attainment that will keep San Antonio economically competitive or make San Antonio more economically competitive,” she explained.
For Reyna, the thought of losing her scholarship is daunting and could alter her work schedule and how she finances her education moving forward. The city council is set to vote on the proposed budget on Thursday, September 17, a decision that will clarify the future of critical programs like SAEP.
Both Acevedo and Reyna plan to attend the upcoming city budget meeting, ready to advocate for continued funding. Reyna hopes that city leaders will see beyond mere numbers and recognize the real impact their decisions have on students’ lives. “People need to know who this impacts,” she remarked, underscoring the human element behind the budgetary figures.
